1963 Ford Thunderbird

Not much had changed for the 1963 T-bird, with the success from previous years. It was available in four distinct models - Landau, Hardtop, Convertible and Sports Roadster.
Extra features including a swing-away steering wheel which moves to the side when you enter, ah, what luxury. Plus don't forget air conditioning, power windows, power seat, power steering and power brakes plus more.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Production and Specifications

Model Number

Body/Style Number

Body Type & Seating

Factory Price

Shipping Weight

Total Production

Thunderbird Series

P/M

83

2 Dr Hardtop Coupe

$4,445

4,195 lbs

42,806

P/M

87

2 Dr Lancer Hardtop

$4,548

4,320 lbs

14,139

P/M

85

2 Dr Convertible

$4,912

4,205 lbs

5,913

P/M

89

2 Dr Sport Roadster

$5,563

4,395 lbs

455

Chassis Data

Model Number

Wheelbase

Overall Length

Front Tread

Rear Tread

Tire Size

Thunderbird

113 in

205 in

-

-

8.00 x 14

Vin Number Decoding - 1960 - 1969 Ford (All Models)

Location: stamped on top upper flange
of left front fender apron. Located on top of dash visible through windshield.
On lock face of left front door.

First Symbol - Year

0 = 1960

1 = 1961

2 = 1962

3 = 1963

4 = 1964

5 = 1965

6 = 1966

7 = 1967

8 = 1968

9 = 1969

Second Symbol - Assembly Plant

A = Atlanta

L = Michigan Truck

B = Oakville

N = Norfolk

C = Ontario

P = Twin Cities

D = Dallas

R = San Jose

E = Mahwah

S = Pilot Plant

F = Dearborn

T = Metuchen

G = Chicago

U = Louisville

H = Lorain

W = Wayne

J = Los Angeles

Y = Wixom

K = Kansas City

Z = St. Louis

Third & Fourth Symbol - Body Series

01 = Mustang 2 Dr Hardtop

51 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Custom)

02 = Mustang 2 Dr Fastback

52 = Ford 2 Dr Sedan (Custom 500)

03 = Mustang 2 Dr Convertible

53 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Custom 500)

10 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan

54 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Galaxie 500)

11 = Falcon 4 Dr Sedan

55 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback (Galaxie 500)

12 = Falcon Station Wagon

56 = Ford 4 Dr Hardtop (Galaxie 500)

20 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan (Futura)

57 = Ford Convertible (Galaxie 500)

21 = Falcon 4 Dr Sedan (Futura)

58 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop (Galaxie 500)

22 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan (Bucket Seats)

60 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback (XL)

23 = Falcon Station Wagon (Futura)

61 = Ford Convertible (XL)

30 = Fairlane 2 Dr Hardtop

62 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop (LTD)

31 = Fairlane 4 Dr Sedan

63 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback Coupe

32 = Fairlane Station Wagon

64 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (LTD)

33 = Fairlane 2 Dr Hardtop (500)

65 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop Coupe

34 = Fairlane 4 Dr Sedan (500)

66 = Ford 4 Dr Hardtop (LTD)

35 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500)

70 = Ford Station Wagon (Ranch Wagon - 6P)

36 = Fairlane Convertible (500)

71 = Ford Station Wagon (Custom 500 Ranch Wagon - 6P)

37 = Fairlane Station Wagon (500)

72 = Ford Station Wagon (Custom 500 Ranch Wagon - 10P)

38 = Fairlane Station Wagon (Squire)

73 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire - 6P)

40 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500 XL)

74 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Sedan - 10P)

41 = Fairlane Convertible (500 XL)

75 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire -6P)

42 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500 GT)

76 = Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire -10P)

43 = Fairlane Convertible (500 GT)

76 = Fairlane Convertible

47 = Fairlane Ranchero

83 = Thunderbird 2 Dr Hardtop

48 = Fairlane Ranchero (500)

84 = Thunderbird 2 Dr Hardtop (Landau)

49 = Fairlane Ranchero (GT)

87 = Thunderbird 4 Dr Hardtop (Landau)

Fifth Symbol - Engine

A = 8-289

Q = 8-427

B = 6-240

R = 8-427

C = 8-289

S = 8-390

E = 6-240

T = 6-200

F = 8-260

U = 6-170

J = 8-302

V = 6-240

K = 8-289

W = 8-427

L = 8-221

X = 8-352

M = 8-390

Y = 8-390

N = 8-429

Z = 8-390

P = 8-428

Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence

Starting at 100001

Code

Transmission Type

1

3-Speed Manual

5

4-Speed Manual (std. ratio) 2.78 1st.

6

4-Speed Manual (opt. ratio) 2.32 1st.

T

Cruise-O-Matic (FMX-L)

U

C6 Automatic (aluminum 1 piece case)

W

C4 Automatic (aluminum 2 piece case)

X

Cruise-O-Matic (C.I. case)

Y

Cruise-O-Matic(C.I. case)

Z

C6 Automatic Special (aluminum 1 piece case)

Note: 1960 through 1963 Thunderbirds: The VIN plate is located on the left front body pillar below the driver's door hinge opening

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